This story really excelled when it talks of the two orphans and their struggles.
The harsh winters,the fishing,the relentless toil just to survive to the next arrival of the boat with supplies.
Bringing in other characters lessened that story for me,but they brought other sides to the kids story that made it interesting.

A story of struggle and survivial. A study of the consequences of isolation. An examination of how, without the knowledge of accepted boundaries, two youngsters will navigate a course through their formative years.

These are just some of the themes that can be found in Michael Crummey's gripping and profound psychological novel that differs in its complexity and insight from the normal period set historical novel.

Set in the harsh and remote environment of a cove on the Newfoundland coast, around, I would surmise, the turn of the 19th century, we find Evered and his sister Ada about to be orphaned.

Alone and dependent on selling enough fish to obtain supplies from a ship that comes twice a year, these two children must learn to survive and adapt to a life without adult guidance.

Each word appears carefully chosen and conveys the beauty and reality of nature.
The relationship between humanity and nature and the gradual changes that effect relationships between humans is skilfully examined.

At the end of the book, Evered and Ada will be far different people than at the start.

This is a haunting tale and a remarkable account of the human condition and its resilience.
Powerful and moving, it is well worth a read.